OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on the activities of energy metabolism enzymes and contraction capacity of diaphragm from type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODSForty SD male rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10) and model group (n=30). Type 2 diabetes models were induced by feeding with high-sucrose-high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injecting 25 mg/kg streptozotocin. 20 successful models were rearranged to two groups: diabetic group and GbE treatment group, 10 rats in each. Then the saline and 8 mg/(kg x d) of GbE were respectively intraperitoneal injected, once a day continuously for 8 weeks. Then diaphragm contractility was assessed using Peak twitch tension (Pt), Maximum tetanic tension (P0) and fatigue index (FI) in vitro diaphragm strip preparations. Cytochrome oxidase (CCO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in diaphragm were detected and the varieties of diaphragm ultrastructure were observed.

RESULTSCompared with control group, Pt, P0 and FI in diabetic group decreased significantly (P < 0.01); the activity of CCO, LDH and SDH in the tissues was more obviously reduced than those in control group (P < 0.01). The ultrastructure in diabetic group under electron microscope indicated that diaphragm mitochondrions swelled and degenerated. The above changes were inhibited by GbE.

CONCLUSIONGbE can enhance contraction capacity of diaphragm from type 2 diabetic rats by increasing the aerobic oxidation capacity, glycolytic capacity and the function of respiratory chain.